MIMBRES, N.M.; April 17, 2015 - Fire managers are evaluating conditions and making preparations to initiate the Meekins Prescribed Fire on the Wilderness Ranger District of the Gila National Forest starting Monday, April 20. The 420-acre project is west of Forest Service Road (FSR) 150, also known as Wall Lake Rd. or North Star Rd., between FSRs 4201M, 4079R and Terry Canyon.

Support for this project is provided by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. This prescribed fire is part of an ongoing program to improve forest health, enhance wildlife habitat, and reduce hazardous fuels.

Fire managers advise hunters to be fully aware of the potential for this prescribed fire to occur. The project and Hwy 35 will be signed and posted for public safety. Smoke will be noticeable during days of ignitions and may linger at night and early morning, especially in the Mimbres Valley.

Prescribed fire is an effective tool managers use to lower the risk of future severe wildfire. Implementation of the project will depend on availability of personnel and equipment, New Mexico Environment Department Air Quality Bureau approval and the appropriate conditions.

Fire managers follow a burn plan that outlines the "prescription" or environmental conditions such as temperature, wind, fuel moisture, ventilation, and humidity that need to be met before the project begins.

For more information contact the Wilderness Ranger District 575-535-2250.